Slipper Orchid times it just right

Slipper Orchid kept favourite backers happy at Naas when delivering her challenge in the final 50 yards to win the seven furlong handicap at Naas.

The 5/1 shot had raced in rear under Shane Foley, but started to make headway over a furlong out and got on top to win by half a length from Tarrsille (14/1). The well-backed Ningaloo Reef (10/1 to 13/2 on course) was a further half a length back in third.

“She’s very genuine. That ground was plenty fast enough for her. She got a bit fussy in the stalls today so Shane took his time on her and the gap opened up,” Mick Halford said.

“We’ll keep going with her. There’s a big fillies handicap on Derby weekend. We have Ondeafears for that too. My horses are in good form.”

Halford also ran Foot Perfect in this contest. She finished 10th of the 14 runners and he added: “She was never travelling and never going. Michael (Hussey) said she was very flat. We’ll get her checked out.”

Pat Smullen, rider of Flic Flac trained by Dermot Weld, reported that his mount felt lame in the closing stages and was therefore pulled up (finished eased down in 13th).